Damir Ismagulov is no longer retired.
Earlier this month, Damir Ismagulov announced his retirement from MMA due to health issues that surprised many. Yet, after some time thinking about it, Ismagulov took to Instagram to announce he has one fight left on his UFC deal so he will fight out his deal.
Damir Ismagulov’s Announcement
“Recently, [my manager] informed me that I have one more fight left under my contract with UFC,” Ismagulov wrote. “There were many offers from other leagues where fees were way higher and you could go in there and make money, but I came to UFC, not for the money but for the legacy, to prove to myself that I can compete against the strongest fighters! I finished my career, but after finding out I had another fight under my contract, I decided to go back and finish it! We accept to repay our debts!”
“In the ultimate fight I lost to [Tsarukyan] who is one of the strongest lightweight fighters in UFC,” Ismagulov stated. “I would have let go of this moment if I knew I did everything I could and still lost. Let’s hold the last battle with fireworks”
Although Ismagulov wants the Arman Tsarukyan rematch, it’s doubtful the UFC will give him the rematch given there was no controversy with the fight. But, there’s no question Ismagulov is a welcomed back to the lightweight division, even if it is just for one more fight.
Damir Ismagulov (24-2) had his 19-fight win streak snapped last time out back in December with a decision loss to Tsarukyan. Prior to that, the 31-year-old was a perfect 5-0 in the UFC with notable wins over Thiago Moises, Joel Alvarez, and Guram Kutateladze. Prior to signing with the UFC, Ismagulov was the M-1 lightweight champion.
